Our School

This past spring, Holy Cross High School took a big leap forward in sustainability with the installation of 513 solar panels on the roof of the building. With utility costs continuing to rise, this installation will result in greater energy efficiency and significant annual savings. 

“The introduction of solar energy has been in the works for two intensive years,” Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino, President of Holy Cross High School. “The panels do two things: First, and foremost, they are environmentally beneficial.  Second, the energy savings we will realize can be redirected to paying for long overdue improvements to our heating and ventilation system”

“We can generate 80% of our total (energy) needs,” said Anthony Temporale ’72, Director of Facilities. “We are investing into the building and making it better. This is also good for the environment. It is what we should be doing.” 

The installation of the solar panels is a final stage in the school’s Energy Conservation Capital Project which commenced in earnest in 2019. This program was broken down into several phases.

First, the school’s roof was repaired and sealed in two stages, resulting in a new 30 year warranty. Next, all lights in the building were replaced with energy efficient LEDS and motion sensors were installed throughout the building to ensure lights are only activated when necessary. In 2021, the original cast iron oil burning boilers were replaced with a high-efficiency gas-based boiler system for both building heat and domestic hot water. 

The planning for solar panels was part of a larger energy improvement project which officially began in 2021. This project included not only the installation of panels on portions of the school roof, but also a plan to replace the original pneumatic thermostats and control valves in the building. This further optimized energy consumption efficiency and enhanced the ability to regulate temperatures in the building, along with outside air for additional air quality to maximize comfort and efficiency. 

“We have a great building,” said Dr. Pellegrino. “Like a home, though, it hit a point in its life when it needed attention. This energy project paves the path to a future for the school that is more fiscally sound and environmentally sustainable.”